A Short Text Field question allows respondents to enter structured text-based information in a predefined format. Use this question type to collect details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, postal codes, dates, and numeric values while applying validation rules to ensure data accuracy.

Short Text Fields are ideal for collecting respondent information that supports analysis, follow-up communication, registrations, and operational workflows.

Benefits

Short Text Field questions help you:

• Collect structured and standardized respondent information.
• Improve data quality through built-in validation.
• Reduce manual data cleanup and reporting inconsistencies.
• Capture information required for customer follow-ups and operational processes.

Add a Short Text Field Question

1. Open the survey in Survey Builder.
2. Click Question Types from the right pane or select + Question.
3. Select Short Text Field.

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Configure the Question

1. Select the question card.
2. Enter the Question Title.
3. Add Help Text to guide respondents.
4. Select the appropriate Content Type.

Supported Content Types

Text

Use for names, identifiers, or other short responses.

• Configure minimum and maximum character limits.

Numeric

Use for numerical values.

• Configure decimal count.
• Define a custom validation message.

Email

Use to collect email addresses.

• Built-in email format validation.
• Configure a custom error message.

Phone Number

Use to collect contact numbers.

• Configure country code validation.
• Define a custom error message.

Postal Code

Use to collect ZIP or postal codes.

• Configure country-specific validation.
• Define a custom error message.

Date

Use to collect date-based responses.

• Configure date format.
• Set date range limits.
• Define a custom error message.

You can also configure minimum and maximum character limits based on your requirements.

Add a Description

Use descriptions to provide additional context or instructions.

1. Enable the Description toggle below the question text.
2. Enter the description content.
3. Use formatting options such as bold text, hyperlinks, or lists when required.
4. In the Styling tab, choose whether the description appears Above or Below the question.
5. Adjust the top and bottom spacing as needed.

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Add Question Media

You can add images or other media to provide additional context.

1. Select the question.
2. Navigate to Question Assets.
3. Upload or select the required media.
4. Configure media placement as needed.
5. Preview the survey to verify the display experience.

Optimize the Survey for Different Screen Sizes

1. Select a device view:

   • Desktop
   • Mobile
   • Tablet
   • Custom Screen
2. Switch between views to review the survey experience.
3. Adjust layout, spacing, alignment, and media placement as needed.
4. Validate the survey for each target screen size before publishing.

Configure Additional Settings

Make the Question Required

1. Enable Mark as Required.
2. Enter a custom validation message if needed.
3. Add translations for the validation message from the Translations section.
   

Preview the Question

1. Click Preview from the Survey Builder header.
2. Complete the survey as a respondent.
3. Verify that validations are applied correctly and responses are captured as expected.

Best Practices

Use the Appropriate Content Type

Select the content type that matches the information you want to collect.

Keep Questions Clear and Specific

Clearly communicate the information you want respondents to provide.

Example:
What is your preferred email address for follow-up communication?

Avoid:
Please enter your details.

Configure Validation Rules Carefully

Review available validation settings and align them with your business requirements to improve data quality.

Use Required Fields Sparingly

Only make a question mandatory when the information is necessary for survey objectives or downstream processes.

Provide Clear Error Messages

Help respondents correct issues quickly by using descriptive validation messages.

Example:
Please enter a valid email address.

Avoid:
Invalid input.

Availability

The Short Text Field question type is generally available to users with appropriate Survey Builder permissions.

Required Permissions

• View – Access programs, sub-programs, and surveys.
• Edit – Create and edit surveys using Survey Builder.